Alanya

Alanya is one of the best Turkish resorts on the Mediterranean Sea. Shingle beaches are bounded by quiet, warm waters. Once this place was a base for Cilician pirates, then the Greeks and Turks fought for control over the bay – but those dreadful days are gone and modern Alanya is a city filled with sunshine and fun.

The coast runs out into the sea on a convenient peninsula, which is literally covered with the most diverse hotels, restaurants and piers. Yacht sails are seen above the clear water, and hang gliders float in the air. The celebration of sea and rest never stops; and in the evenings fireworks blossom over the seashores.

Alanya is a ‘youth’ health resort. Here there is everything for recreational athletes and fans of shopping and night club life.

In the city markets you can always buy marvellous fruits and the freshest fish, which have just been caught in the sea. There is a famous restaurant in Alanya where tourists from all over the world make a feast out of cheese stuffed trout – it can only be cooked like this here. Every citizen will show you this place. Turkish cuisine, which uses a lot of meat and vegetables, is nourishing, tasty and healthy.

Alanya is a modern city, clean and well cared-for, with wide boulevards, neat streets and a convenient harbor.

The mild Mediterranean climate is especially good in Alanya because of the mountains surrounding the city. They keep back rain clouds and don’t let hot winds into the bay. The mountains descend right to sea level, and excursions are organized into underwater caves, where you can see luminous rocks or a prison for pirate hostages.

Alanya’s citizens are friendly to guests and treat tourists with respect. English is widespread in the country. A simplified visa regime has been established for the citizens of our country: you can get a visa at the border.

The swimming season in Alanya lasts from spring till autumn. The government pays special attention to the development of tourism, and consequently to the level of service in shops, hotels and restaurants, to the cleanliness of water and beaches. Considerable attention is given to the development of health care services and education.

Tourists from all over the world come to Alanya. Here you can find anything you wish for: quiet bays or noisy night discos, beautiful tropical nature and fashionable shopping.

Among the most famous sights of Alanya are a Byzantine fortress, which used to be used for defense, and a citadel above the Damlataş stalactite cave. In this cave, the humidity reaches 99 % and the air is saturated with substances enhancing treatment for asthma and other respiratory diseases. There is one more very interesting ancient monument – a Seljuk fortress. It has 150 towers surrounded by double walls.

You can get to Alanya by a cruise liner or by surface transport from Antalya (a comfortable bus departs from the airport every two hours). At present, an airport being built in Antalya; its opening is planned for 2010.